Ruben Arroyo, Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner We recognize that after years of low registration, you may not be in the habit of checking for hives through CAC. Specifically, in Riverside County we traditionally had zero bee registrations and to date we now have 50 registrations and 12,000 beehives listed on a map. We have been crossreferencing those registrations with pesticide use reports and have found that growers have not been utilizing the bee check through BeeWhere. We will continue our efforts to educate our growers and beekeepers alike along with enforcing the regulations. We are hopeful that BeeWhere will foster the communication between beekeeper and applicator intended in the regulatory framework around pesticide notification. BeeWhere is a real time communication tool used in the State of California to foster better communication between Growers, Beekeepers and Pesticide Applicators during bloom. BeeWhere is based on the current California laws outlined below to steward our pollinators as they are in the field through compliance during any blooming crop or weed activity. Applicators have a new option with online bee checks in CalAg Permits https://beewhere.calagpermits.org/ Applicators/Growers intending to apply any pesticide labeled toxic to bees to a blossoming plant shall, prior to the application, inquire of the commissioner, or of a notification service designated by the commissioner (BeeWhere), whether any beekeeper with apiaries within one mile of the application site has requested notice of such application.
IN THIS ISSUE: 01 BeeWhere: Tools & Compliance 04 Pesticide Emergencies 06 Paraquat Label Changes 08 Medusahead Control 09 2020 Events Calendar 10 Industrial Hemp 12 Riverside County Update
Look for our Pre-Harvest issue in August, 2020.
(b) If the person performing pest control is advised of a request for notification, he or she shall notify the beekeeper, at least 48 hours in advance of the application, of the time and place the application is to be made, the crop and acreage to be treated, the method of application, the identity and dosage rate of the pesticide to be applied and how the person performing pest control may be contacted by the beekeeper. This time may be increased or decreased by the commissioner, or by an agreement of both the beekeeper and the person performing the pest control work. (c) This section shall apply statewide. However, from March 15 through May 15 in a citrus/bee protection area, if there are conflicts between the provisions of this section and those of section 6656, section 6656 shall prevail. Note: Authority cited: Section 29102, Food and Agricultural Code. Reference: Section 29102, Food and Agricultural Code Registering Beehives is the Law. Every California and out-of-state beekeeper who moves bees into the state or comes into possession of an apiary must register with the appropriate County Agricultural Commissioner. Annual registration is required on January 1, 2020 or when you enter the state or come into possession of an apiary. Additionally, Hives must be identified by a prominently displayed sign and/or stenciled with the owner’s name, address, and phone number. FOOD AND AG CODE: BEES ARTICLE 4. Registration and Identification of Apiaries [29040 - 29056] (Article 4 added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1404, Sec. 2.) 29040. Every person that is the owner or is in possession of an apiary which is located within the state, on the first day of January of each year, shall register the number of colonies in each apiary which is owned by the person and the location of each apiary. Every person required to register under this article, shall do so on the first day of January of each year in which they maintain, possess, or are in possession of an apiary, or within 30 days thereafter, as prescribed in this article. (Added by Stats. 1987, Ch. 1404, Sec. 2.) Continued on page 3
JANUARY 2020 VOL. V, NO. 1
By law, applicators must use BeeCheck information to notify beekeeper(s), at least 48 hours in advance of the application, of: • The time and place the application is to be made, • The crop and acreage to be treated, the method of application, the pesticide and dosage rate of the pesticide to be applied • Contact information in case beekeeper needs to communicate prior to application.
§ 6654. Notification to Beekeepers. (a) Each person intending to apply any pesticide toxic to bees to a blossoming plant shall, prior to the application, inquire of the commissioner, or of a notification service designated by the commissioner, whether any beekeeper with apiaries within one mile of the application site has requested notice of such application.
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Save these 2020 SPRAY SAFE event dates! Yuba-Sutter Spray Safe January 15, 2020
Yuba-Sutter Fairgrounds, Franklin Hall 442 Franklin Ave, Yuba City, CA 95991 Sessions in English & Spanish Sponsorship/Reg. Info: (530) 673-6550
Robert J. Cabral Center 2101 E. Earhart Ave, Stockton, CA 95206 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Lunch Included (209) 931-4931
Tulare-Kings Spray Safe January 16, 2020
Yolo County Spray Safe February 05, 2020
International Agri-Center 4500 S Laspina Street, Tulare, CA 93274 https://capca.com/events/
Yolo County Fairgrounds, Waite Hall 1250 Gum Ave, Woodland, CA 95776 (530) 402-2222
Kern County Spray Safe January 24, 2020
Ventura County Spray Safe March 24, 2020
Kern Co. Fairgrounds, 1142 South P Street, Bakersfield Trade Show/Early Reg: 7 a.m. / Event: 9 a.m. – noon (English & Spanish Presentations) For more information or to complete your reservation, please email events@kerncfb.com or call the Kern County Farm Bureau at (661) 397-9635. 2
San Joaquin County Spray Safe January 27, 2020
You may also visit https://kerncfb.com/spray-safe
Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA 93001 (805) 648-3376
29042. Every person who moves bees into the state or otherwise comes into possession of an apiary that is located within the state after the first day of January, shall register the name of the owner and the number and location of colonies moved into the state or so acquired within 30 days after coming into possession of the apiary. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 320, Sec. 1. (AB 2468) Effective January 1, 2019.) 29045. It is unlawful for a person to maintain any apiary that is not registered pursuant to this article. Each registration is valid until January 1 of the following year. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 320, Sec. 2. (AB 2468) Effective January 1, 2019.) This pertains to commercial beekeepers, their brokers and hobbyist beekeepers regardless of hive count unless your county has a specialized ordinance. For special ordinance information visit: https://beewherecalifornia.com/local-ordinances-by-county/ While registration is required, beekeepers have the ability to customize their preferences for notifications – whether or not to receive notification, a preferred time for notification and a method for notification. Notifications from Applicators are not a notification of all pesticides being applied within 1 mile of hive locations. The current law outlines the 48 Hour Application Notification for only chemistries labeled as “toxic to bees.” The unique Beekeeper ID Number will keep you registered in the system as you make any notifications of hive movement within the county or to another county. Beekeepers can register annually within the Fieldwatch or Cal Ag Permits system and update their locations during the season to stay compliant. Beekeepers must maintain active locations, providing an update to the County Ag Commissioner through BeeWhere or a phone call to the local office within 72 hours of a hive re-location. This includes relocations both in county and between counties. Effective Law 1/1/20 (under AB 450 Bees: Apiary Protection Act) 29070.5. Any apiary operator or the apiary operator’s designated representative relocating a colony of bees within a county where the apiary is currently registered shall notify the commissioner of the movement within 72 hours of the relocation. Starting in fall 2019, Beekeepers have a new App through Fieldwatch – BeeCheck to register and double click to drop their hives into a new location. PCAs have access to check the total number of registered hives within a mile of a permit while writing a pesticide recommendation. PCA can use general hive information on a voluntary basis in decision making for Active Ingredient on Recommendation or additional Applicator notes regarding best management practices for application during bloom while bees may be present. PCAs will not receive Beekeeper contact information, notification preferences or actual hive location as part of this voluntary check. In future phase of this project we hope to streamline this option into Crop Management Tools PCAs are already using, but for now, PCAs can do a check through CalAg Permits at https://beewhere.calagpermits.org/. █ For additional information visit https://beewherecalifornia.com/.
CAPCA EDITORIAL STAFF Ruthann Anderson - Editor Joyce Basan - Deputy Editor Dee Strowbridge - Conference & Sustaining Membership Crystelle Turlo - Individual Membership & Chapter Projects Sylvia Stark - Advertising Sales Manager Rachel Taft - Executive Assistant Adam Barsanti - Outreach Relations Manager Graphic Design - Rosemary N. Southward southwardr@comcast.net PURPOSE California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) is a non-profit voluntary mutual benefit association. CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information. CAPCA is dedicated to the professional development and enhancement of our members’ education and stewardship which includes legislative, regulatory, continuing education and public outreach activities. PUBLISHING INFORMATION Applicator Alerts is published by the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), 2600 River Plaza Dr., Suite 250, Sacramento, California 95833. Web: www.capca.com, (916) 928‑1625. POSTMASTER: send address change to CAPCA. CAPCA has endeavored to include appropriate and accurate statements, but disclaims any and all warranties and/or responsibility for the statements or articles submitted to Applicator Alerts that may have additionally been edited for style, content and space prior to publication. Views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent CAPCA policies, or positions or endorsements. Editorial content of this publication is educational and informational in nature. No part of this publication, including images, may be reproduced without prior written permission from the publisher. Contact CAPCA at (916) 928‑1625 for reprint authorization. PRINTING: Sundance Press Tucson, Arizona
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Continued from pg. 1
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How to Respond to an Emergency Pesticide Exposure Anna Katrina Hunter and Lisa Blecker, Pesticide Safety Writer and Pesticide Safety Education Program Coordinator, UC Statewide IPM Program Pesticide exposure incidents are not commonplace, but it is important to know how to respond when faced with a serious medical emergency like exposure in the workplace. Following the proper steps could save a life or prevent further harm while also ensuring compliance with California pesticide worker safety law. Sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea are some of the common symptoms of systemic exposure to organophosphate or carbamate pesticides. Exposure to other pesticides may resemble flu-like symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sore throat, coughing or headache and dizziness. If you have been exposed to a pesticide, first immediately remove yourself from the site of exposure. If you are witness to someone who is incapacitated, always don the proper PPE before rushing in to assist. “It’s very easy for a single victim to turn into multiple victims if people aren’t careful,” says Dr. James Chenoweth, assistant professor of emergency medicine and toxicology at UC Davis Health. Call 9-1-1 for immediate emergency medical assistance and notify personnel upon arrival of pesticide exposure, so that they can properly respond. Emergency medical services can provide immediate assistance by delivering pain medication or managing difficulty breathing on the way to the hospital. If a person has ingested a pesticide: Do not make them vomit. Call an ambulance and then the local poison control center to determine if a specific antidote is possible. Do not administer any antidotes that are not recommended by either poison control or outlined on the product’s safety data sheet. If the skin or whole body is exposed from an accidental spill or equipment malfunction, decontaminate right away to improve the outcome of the exposure: Remove contaminated clothing and flush thoroughly with copious amounts of water and soap for at least 15 minutes. If a pesticide enters through the eyes, flush immediately using temperate running water for at least 15 minutes to remove any residues. Handlers are required by law to have a pint of eyewash immediately available when applying pesticides that call for eye protection on the label. If the eyes are exposed while making a field application, the handler can use the pint of eyewash to restore their vision and find their way to the nearest facility to further decontaminate. Always seek emergency medical care right away. If possible, call the hospital in advance with the pesticide product(s) name and 4
registration number. This allows emergency medical personnel to contact the regional poison control center for further toxicology information in preparation for your arrival. Bring the product label and the safety data sheet (SDS) with you. While the product label has some standard first aid instructions, the SDS can provide more thorough toxicity information regarding the inert ingredients in the pesticide formulation, says Dr. Chenoweth. Avoid bringing the pesticide container into the ER unless sealed in a plastic bag to prevent exposure to medical personnel and others. Do not drive yourself. Find someone who can assist you. Your supervisor is required to take you directly to the hospital to prevent further harm to yourself or others. Henry Gonzales, County Agricultural Commissioner in Monterey County, says that he often encounters people driving themselves to the hospital – a violation of pesticide worker safety law. If several fieldworkers are experiencing symptoms of possible exposure, then all employees need to be taken to the hospital right away. Gonzales encourages employers to prepare in advance of an incident by arranging with a company or grower in the area with a vehicle large-enough for transport of many individuals to the nearest emergency medical facility. If the person arrives at the hospital contaminated with pesticide residues, they must remain in the vehicle until medical personnel can direct the person to a decontamination tent to flush the person free of residues before starting treatment. Treatment depends on the type of exposure and the pesticide involved. For example, organophosphates and carbamates that result in overstimulation of receptors in the nervous system by inhibiting breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, patients are given atropine to block receptors and reverse symptoms. How to report a pesticide exposure incident: The CASPIR (California’s System for Pesticide Incident Reporting) smartphone application was introduced in 2019 for ease in reporting pesticide exposure incidents after medical care is provided. It is not a substitute for calling 9-1-1. The app is available in Spanish and English, provides anonymity, and can use geographical information to ensure that the incident is reported to the Agricultural Commissioner in the county where the incident took place. The County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office is responsible for investigating pesticide exposure incidents and reporting their findings to the state.
The California Poison Control System has adopted the national toll-free hotline that can instantly route calls to a regional poison control expert.
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A phone call is also a simple way to report an incident. David Sanford, Deputy Agricultural Commissioner in Santa Cruz County explains that anonymous reporting can present challenges in properly investigating an incident. No law explicitly mandates reporting, but it is not uncommon for employers to report pesticide exposure incidents to the commissioner’s office. Physicians are mandated to report exposure incidents to the designated officer at their County Health Department, who in turn, reports the agricultural pesticide exposure incident immediately to the County Agricultural Commissioner along with an illness report to the California Department of Pesticide Regulation for statewide recordkeeping. For additional information on how to respond to pesticide emergencies, please visit the Health and Safety page at www.cdpr.ca.gov.
Reporting a pesticide exposure incident through CASPIR’s (California’s System for Pesticide Incident Reporting) smartphone app is not a substitute for emergency medical care or dialing 9-1-1.
The CASPIR application uses GPS information to identify the closest agricultural commissioner to respond and investigate the incident.
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Paraquat Label Changes Mario Gutierrez, Deputy Ag Commissioner, Kings County There has been a lot of time devoted recently to answering questions on the label changes for products containing the active ingredient Paraquat Dichloride. Growers, PCAs and pesticide applicators want to know how they are going to be affected. First I must say that the EPA expects that the implementation of the interim mitigation measures will allow paraquat products to remain available to users while reducing the number and severity of human health incidents. Human health incidents involving the ingestion of paraquat, both accidental and intentional, have resulted in 17 deaths in the U.S. since 2000. Toxicity information indicates that one sip can be lethal and there is no known antidote. The accidental ingestion incidents often result from paraquat being stored in beverage containers. Paraquat is also corrosive to the skin and is associated with a number of severe incidents involving leakage or accidental sprays in occupational settings.
• The paraquat training program must be developed by all paraquat registrants, and be available via an internet link included on all paraquat end-use labels. In cases where state-based certified applicator training programs adequately address the aforementioned required aspects of an EPA-approved paraquat training program, they may be determined to be equivalent training materials. All persons handling paraquat are expected to take the training every 3 years and retain documentation of successful completion. Again, this is not a bad idea and hopefully the additional training and knowledge certified applicators receive will help keep paraquat out of the hands of uncertified persons. Employers and employees will need to take an online EPA approved training. The training will ensure applicators are aware of the hazards associated with paraquat use.
There are four key components to the mitigation measures: 1. Label changes emphasizing paraquat toxicity and supplemental warning materials. • The EPA is requiring updated label language highlighting ingestion risk and clarifying toxicity in English and Spanish language formats. Additionally, EPA is requiring supplemental warning materials consisting of (1) a warning sticker affixed to the cap of all paraquat containers with the text “DANGER-ONE SIP CAN KILL” accompanied by the image of a skull and crossbones symbol (2) a “product package safety requirements sticker” reiterating important warning statements to be affixed to the opposite side of the label on each paraquat container; and (3) a product warning handout called a “counter card” reiterating the same important warning information to be distributed with every paraquat container. All of the supplemental warning materials must feature these messages in English, Spanish, and pictogram format. The supplemental warning material and use of pictograms will help reinforce the potential hazards of paraquat. The pictograms, which will convey the meaning through pictorial resemblance to a physical object, will assist those who may not understand the label otherwise.
3. Closed-system packaging for all non-bulk (less than 120 gallon) end use products. • EPA is requiring that all paraquat non-bulk (less than 120 gallon) end use product containers comply with EPAapproved closed system standards. The closed system packaging for paraquat products must be engineered so that paraquat can only be removed from the container using closed system technology meeting the following EPAapproved standards: • the closed system must connect to the container in a way that the closed system is the only feasible way to remove paraquat from the container without destroying the container; therefore, a screw cap for the pourable closure on a typical pesticide container is not sufficient; and • the closed system must remove the paraquat from its original container and transfer the paraquat to the application equipment through connecting hoses, pipes and couplings that are sufficiently tight to prevent exposure of the mixer or loader to the paraquat (except for the negligible escape associated with normal operation of the system). • All paraquat closed system packaging must be approved by EPA. • EPA is aware that tank mixing is an important practice for paraquat users, and that jar testing for compatibility may be a critical practice. Once the closed system requirement takes effect, registrants must provide a link on paraquat product labels to an on-line resource of compatible tank mix partners.
2. Target training materials for paraquat users. • EPA is requiring all applicators who handle paraquat to take an EPA-approved paraquat training program. EPA-approved paraquat training programs must provide information on: (1) paraquat toxicity; (2) a summary of the new label requirements and restrictions; (3) consequences and examples of misuse of paraquat; (4) how to apply paraquat with various application methods, including ensuring all connections are tightly fit (especially backpack/ handheld equipment); (5) what to do in case of accidental exposure, and (6) appropriate handling, storage, disposal, and personal protective equipment requirements and instructions.
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This requirement will help in mitigating accidental exposures. Without being able to remove the material from a container without a closed system, people will not be able to easily transfer paraquat into other containers (i.e.; soda or water bottles). Manufacturers or distributors may be providing closed system tank adaptors to users in the future to assist the end users. It is important to note that these are label changes and that label requirements must be followed by all users, even owner operators.
This requirement will impact a grower who has employees handling paraquat, but the hardest hit will likely be pest control businesses and possibly their customers. All handlers will be required to be certified applicators. You will no longer be able to work under the supervision of a certified applicator. To meet this requirement if you are a grower or an employee of a grower who will be handling paraquat products you can be a holder of a Private Applicator Certificate (PAC). Those who intend to handle paraquat, if they are employed by a grower, can go to their local county agricultural commissioner and take the private applicator certification exam. Employees of a pest control business will be required to obtain Paraquat Dichloride New Label Certification Requirements a Qualified Applicators License (QAL) or Qualified Applicators RESTRICTED USE PESTICIDE Certificate (QAC) with the plant agriculture category in DUE TO ACUTE TOXICITY order to be allowed to handle paraquat. This exam is offered FOR USE ONLY BY CERTIFIED APPLICATORS – NOT TO BE USED BY UNCERTIFIED PERSONS WORKING UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF A by the Department of Pesticide CERTIFIED APPLICATOR. Regulation a few times a year in different locations. Additionally If an uncertified individual handles a paraquat product bearing this labeling restriction pictured above, the those that hold a Journeyman use is in conflict with the registered labeling and in violation of Food and Agricultural Code section Pest Control Pilot Certificate will 12973. This requirement applies equally to both growers and pest control businesses using products with be considered certified. labeling bearing this requirement.
A grower or grower employee applying paraquat in accordance with the revised labeling must have a: • • •
Private Applicator Certificate (PAC), Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) with Category D, or Qualified Applicator License (QAL) with Category D.
Pest Control Business (PCB) employees must have a: • • •
QAC in the appropriate category, QAL in the appropriate category, or Journeyman Pest Control Pilot Certificate (apprentice pilots are not certified applicators).
A PCB employee may NOT use paraquat under a PAC. In Title 3 of the California Regulations (3 CCR) section 6000, a PAC is defined as: “Private applicator”: (a) an individual who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity as defined by Title 40 Code of Federal Regulations, section 171.2(a)(5) (July 1, 2013) on property owned, leased, or rented by him/her or his/her employer; or (b) a householder who uses or supervises the use of a pesticide outside the confines of a residential dwelling for the purpose of controlling ornamental, plant or turf pests on residential property owned, leased, or rented by that householder. The private applicator definition in 3 CCR is written in accordance with the restrictions placed upon a private applicator federally. Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) a Private Applicator is defined as: A ‘‘private applicator’’ is a certified applicator who uses or supervises the use of any pesticide which is classified for restricted use for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the applicator or the applicator’s employer or (if applied without compensation other than trading of personal services between producers of agricultural commodities) on the property of another person. Therefore, allowing an employee of a PCB to obtain a PAC to apply paraquat under the new label requirements is in direct conflict with FIFRA.
CDPR Notice - December 2019
Hand-held/backpack equipment EPA is permitting the continued use of handheld and backpack application equipment, so long as it complies with EPA-approved closed system technology. Additionally, paraquat products intended for handheld and backpack equipment should contain an indicator dye to aid in early detection of paraquat leaks and spills. The EPA is aware that there are no paraquat products currently available that meet these criteria. Therefore, they are allowing a two-year period for registrants to develop products that would meet these criteria. If you have any questions on the use of Paraquat materials, please contact your local Agricultural Commissioner’s office. Contact information for Agricultural Commissioners can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/ county/countymap/ █
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4. Restricting the use of all paraquat products to certified applicators only (i.e., prohibiting use by uncertified persons working under the supervision of a certified applicator). • Paraquat products are only to be used by certified applicators who have met the applicator competency standards established by states, tribal, and federal agencies to use or handle paraquat. They are not to be used by uncertified individuals working under the supervision of a certified applicator.
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ALL HANDS ON DECK: An Integrated Weed Management Approach to Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) Control on Rangelands Fadzayi E. Mashiri, Ph.D., Livestock and Natural Resources Advisor UCCE Mariposa/Merced Counties Medusahead, an invasive non-native grass introduced from the Mediterranean region, was first detected in Oregon in the late 1800s. Over time, it has spread into California and other surrounding states. The most recent surveys in California show medusahead occurring almost statewide, except in higher elevation southern Sierra and southern desert ecosystems (CalFlora 2014). Medusahead is a winter annual grass belonging to the Triticeae tribe, which includes grains like rye, barley and wheat. It has been branded an ecosystem transformer due to inherent morphological and physiological characteristics that not only make it an aggressive competitor, but enables it to transform the environment to favor its survival at the expense of other plants (Kyser et al, 2014). Medusahead (1) germinates with the first rains and establishes an extensive rooting system, which increases its competitive advantage for moisture and nutrients; (2) has high silica content that reduces its palatability and decomposition rates leading to thatch buildup that subsequently suppresses other species’ ability to even germinate as well as increases fire risk; (3) has long awns with barbed silica scales that lowers grazing rates but enhances dispersal efficiency by attaching to animals or items, and (4) stays green longer, which allows it to escape grazing impact after seeding, especially in stocker production systems where animal are shipped out in earlyto-mid spring. Medusahead can decrease grazing capacity by up to 80%. Identification: Like any weed, controlling medusahead is more effective when started at early stages of invasion, but this can be hindered by misidentification. For example, some landowners have reported mistaking medusahead for foxtail (Hordeum spp) and squirreltail (Elymus elymoides). A detailed description of medusahead that can help with plant ID is found at https://wric. ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/ wr_T/Taeniatherum.pdf
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Photo by Emilio Laca Control Methods Successful control of medusahead centers on preventing or reducing seed production, as well as the removing thatch for three to five years to deplete the seed bank. An integrated weed management (IWM) approach using a combination of herbicide, fire and grazing increases both the efficacy and cost effectiveness of control. For herbicides, glyphosate can be used to kill all plants, but a more effective approach would be to use an herbicide that selectively kills medusahead without affecting other grass species in wildland ecosystems. Aminopyralid predominantly affects medusahead but not most grass species. Fall preemergent (7-14 ounces/ acre) (Kyser et al, 2014) and spring boot stage (3 ounces/acre) application of aminopyralid can reduce medusahead germination and seed viability, respectively (Rinella et al, 2018). Lower rates of spring application resulted in more consistent reduction of medusahead, increased desirable species and was less expensive than preemergent application. Spring application is not only effective but will also significantly reduces costs. Fire controls medusahead by killing seeds and removing thatch. Late spring burns are more effective to control medusahead
without severely affecting other grasses, because medusahead seeds are still on the seedhead since it’s late maturing, while other rangeland annual grasses have dropped their seeds. This is because grassland fires are hot enough to kill seeds at seedhead height than at ground level. Grazing by cattle or sheep at boot stage can reduce seed production and break thatch through trampling, particularly at higher grazing intensity (~80AUD/acre) (DiTomaso et al. 2008). High intensity grazing mostly works by preventing animals from selectively avoiding medusahead, especially in smaller pastures created by cross fencing, electric fencing or placing animal attractant in affected areas. Spraying molasses and nitrogen fertilization can also increase grazing intensity on medusahead (T. Becchetti T personal communication, July 2019). Conclusion Timing of application is very critical for any weed management method to be effective. However effective control also strongly depends on selecting the right combination of tools or methods that will exert enough pressure to reduce production of viable seeds, germination, and growth of the weed, while encouraging or introducing diverse desirable plants
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Fig. 1. Percent cover estimates and 95% confidence intervals of medusahead at four sites, 1-2 years following fall and spring treatments of aminopyralid. Plots received no herbicide (C) or low (L; 3oz/acre), medium (M; 7oz/acre), or high (H; 14oz/acre) rates of aminopyralid. (Adapted from Rinella et al, 2018) that are adapted to the ecosystem and good competitors so they can take over as the weed population declines. It is imperative for PCAs or other land management advisors developing plans for clientele to remember that the rate of adoption of any weed control recommendation highly depends on both the efficacy and cost effectiveness, making the IWM approach attractive to many landowners. References
Bartolome J, Brown A, Hopkinson P, Hammond M, Macaulay L, and Ratcliff F. 2019 Evaluating Prescribed Fire Effect on Medusa Head and Other Invasive Plants in Coastal Prairie at Point Pinoleby. Grasslands Winter 2019 edition. Calflora (2014) Taxon report: Elymus caput-medusae – medusa head. Last accessed July 2019 DiTomaso JM, Kyser GB, George MR, Doran MP, Laca EA (2008) Control of medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) using timely sheep grazing. Invasive Plant Sci Manage 1:241-247 Kyser GB, DiTomaso JM, Davies KW, Davy JS, Smith BS (2014) Medusahead Management Guide for the Western States. University of California, Weed Research and Information Center, Davis. 68 p. Available at: wric.ucdavis.edu. Rinella, M., Davy, J., Kyser, G., Mashiri, F., Bellows, S., James, J., & Peterson, V. (2018). Timing Aminopyralid to Prevent Seed Production Controls Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae) and Increases Forage Grasses. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 11(1), 61-68.
2020 CAPCA Ed & Chapter Events Please visit www.capca.com/events for registration and event details. 1/28/2020
Bakersfield
Kern CAPCA Label Update
Kern County CAPCA
2/19/2020
Santa Paula
Ventura CPACA CE Meeting
Ventura CAPCA
3/10/2020
Pleasant Hill
SF Bay CAPCA CE Meeting
SF Bay CAPCA
3/12/2020
Fresno
Fresno Madera CAPCA CE Meeting
Fresno Madera CAPCA
3/26/2020
Atascadero
Central Coast CAPCA CE Meeting
Central Coast CAPCA
4/16/2020
Brawley
Desert Valleys CAPCA CE Meeting/Golf Tournament
Desert Valleys CAPCA
5/7/2020
Pomona
SoCal CAPCA CE Meeting
SoCal CAPCA
5/14/2020
Imperial
Desert Valleys CAPCA CE Meeting
Desert Valleys CAPCA
5/21/2020
San Jose
CAPCA Ed CE Meeting
CAPCA State Office
6/10/2020
Santa Paula
Ventura CAPCA CE Meeting
Ventura CAPCA
6/10/2020
Blythe
Desert Valleys CAPCA CE Meeting
Desert Valleys CAPCA
6/11/2020
Palm Desert
CAPCA Ed/UCANR CE Meeting
CAPCA State Office/UCANR
8/6/2020
La Quinta
Desert Valleys CAPCA CE Meeting
Desert Valleys CAPCA
8/13/2020
Simi Valley
CAPCA Ed CE Meeting
CAPCA State Office
8/20/2020
Atascadero
Central Coast CAPCA CE Meeting
Central Coast CAPCA
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PRE-BLOOM ISSUE
California Agricultural Commissioner and Sealer Association (CACASA) Updates on Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Juan Hildago (Santa Cruz County Agricultural Commissioner) and Rick Gurrola (Shasta County Agricultural Commissioner)
Cannabis Regulatory Update Cannabis in California is a new program that continues to evolve. Several changes took place in 2019 starting with the adoption of State regulations in January by all three licensing authorities (CalCannabis Cultivation Licensing Division, Bureau of Cannabis Control and Manufactured Cannabis Safety Branch). Prior to 2019, cannabis was regulated through the implementation of emergency regulations. A central objective of regulating cannabis in California has been to set up a process that encourages illegal cannabis cultivators to enter the legal market. One of the ways in which this has been accomplished has been through the issuance of different license types that allow cultivators to operate legally while providing the time necessary to come into full compliance with the State’s regulations. Temporary licenses allowed cultivators to operate for 120 days and expired at the end of 2018, though cultivators could request a 90 day extension after expiration. In a continual effort to guide cultivators toward full compliance, all temporary licenses expired in the Spring of 2019. In order to prevent gaps in licensure and to provide cultivators additional time to provide the documentation necessary to obtain an annual license, provisional licenses were issued. Temporary license holders that submitted a complete license application and documented that they are continuing to work towards attaining compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) were granted a provisional license. The signing of Assembly Bill 97 in July 2019 by the Governor made important changes to the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) including extending the repeal date for provisional license provisions to January 1, 2022 (previously January 1, 2020), allowing State licensing authorities the discretion to renew provisional licenses, and cannabis cultivators to obtain a provisional license without having previously held a temporary license. While these changes will allow cultivators to continue to operate and provide the time needed to work on the documentation required to obtain their annual license, they also provide for progressive transition to comply with all regulatory requirements. All provisional and annual license holders are required to use the track-and-trace system, something temporary license holders were not required to do. In late summer 2019, CalCannabis held workshops to educate cultivators on track-and-trace and efforts over the next few months will focus on licensed operations having a credentialed user and licensees entering all required information into the system. In 2019, CalCannabis also held meetings with stakeholders to receive comments and input for the development of cannabis appellation regulations and an organic certification program for 10
cannabis comparable to current national organic standards for commodities (referred to as OCal). OCal will be a voluntary program with parallel regulations that follow the National Organic Program (NOP) model. Third party certifying agencies will be regulated by CDFA and this may result in organic certification agencies that only specialize in cannabis and those that currently certify traditional commodities plus cannabis. CalCannabis expects to have proposed regulations open to public comment for these new programs in early 2020 with full implementation of the programs by January 1, 2021. Ongoing challenges continue in determining what pesticide products are allowed for cannabis cultivation since no registered products currently exist. The guidance documents provided by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation on pesticides that are allowed to be used on cannabis have not changed. The document titled “Cannabis Pesticides that are Legal to Use” contains examples of active ingredients that may be legal on cannabis, however the document should not be used as a list. Rather, the user should review the product label and determine if the active ingredient is exempt from residue tolerances and if the use listed is broad enough to include cannabis. Determining what constitutes “broad enough use” on a product label can be challenging since cannabis does not fall into any one of the commodity groups commonly found on labels. Examples of broad enough language that may be found on exempt pesticide products includes: “for use on agricultural use sites including, but not limited to, the following;” “For all outdoor grown crops…” and “…other miscellaneous crops including but not limited to.” PCAs and cultivators with questions regarding a pesticide label interpretation should reach out to their local Agricultural Commissioner. As we enter the third year of regulated cannabis in California it is good to see that there is a commitment to provide cultivators with the tools and opportunities to be compliant and successful. 2020 will no doubt bring more change as cannabis in California continues to transition towards full regulatory compliance. Industrial Hemp Update The passage of SB 1409 allowed for California industrial hemp growers and seed producers to register with county agricultural commissioners within counties that did not restrict industrial hemp cultivation, effective January 1, 2019. However, agricultural commissioners could not register growers without required forms and clear guidance from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) as to how to conduct registration activities and collect fees. The regulation for registration was adopted effective April 25, 2019 which began the process for agricultural commissioners to begin to lawfully register industrial hemp growers and seed producers.
The Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Farm Bill) was signed by the President on December 20, 2018. The 2018 Farm Bill removed industrial hemp from the Controlled Substances Act and defined industrial hemp as the plant cannabis sativa L, or any part of the plant including seeds, derivatives and extracts with a delta – 9 THC concentration of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. The 2018 Farm Bill also designated industrial hemp as an agricultural crop and specified that states and tribal governments who desired primary regulatory authority over the growing and production of industrial hemp to submit plans to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary for final approval. The plan must include location information, testing requirements for THC content, and disposal procedures for plants that are out of compliance. USDA Agriculture Marketing Service ultimately published the Interim Final Rule on October 31, 2019 as mandated by the 2018 Farm Bill. This rule is effective October 31, 2019 through
November 1, 2021. Comments received by December 30, 2019 will be considered prior to the issuance of the Final Rule. States may be more restrictive with their plan than federal regulations. Currently there are a number of items including sampling, testing, harvesting, disposal of non-compliant plants, and criminal background investigations that will require amendments to California’s existing laws and proposed regulations to achieve final approval from USDA. Pesticide use on industrial hemp and cannabis will continue to be challenging to industry and enforcement officials in the short term. While there are currently no pesticides registered for cannabis, there are a handful that are registered specifically for industrial hemp, however the specific product end use (food, fiber, pharmaceutical, smoking, etc.) needs to be considered for the legal use of certain pesticides on industrial hemp plants. Considerable research is needed to develop safe products for current and emerging industrial hemp pest and diseases. Twenty five counties are currently under moratoriums prohibiting industrial hemp cultivation. A number of these counties will be considering to allow industrial hemp cultivation in 2020. Sign up for the Hemp Crop Team on CAPCA’s website at https:// capca.com/cropteams/ For additional information, see https://capca.com/cropteams/hemp/
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PRE-BLOOM ISSUE
Additionally SB 1409 directed CDFA to establish by regulation, procedures for sampling and testing industrial hemp. Emergency regulations were required to allow for the necessary procedures, methods and confirmation for sampling, testing and destruction to allow for industrial hemp plantings, cultivation and harvesting in 2019. As such, emergency regulations were approved, effective June 10, 2019.
PRE-BLOOM ISSUE
Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner Update Ruben Arroyo, Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner Happy New Year! It is truly hard to believe that I will have been working in beautiful Riverside County three years this coming March. I truly enjoy my job and am impressed everyday with the work my staff and the industry produce every year. 2019 was a year filled with challenges and change. From insects to regulations, we never fall short of opportunities to work with our constituents to ensure that we as a department continue our efforts to protect and promote agriculture and provide equity in the market place. Riverside continues to battle the Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) – Huanglongbing (HLB) front with help from the industry and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). Riverside is unique in the fact that we are the only citrus-producing county that has both the insect and disease. ACP is a sap-sucking pest and vector of HLB, a devastating disease of citrus trees. This bacterial disease is transmitted to healthy trees by the psyllid after it feeds on infected plant tissue. My department has been diligent in our outreach and abatement efforts with dead and dying trees throughout the county. We have issued over fifty warning/abatement letters to citrus owners to remove their dead and dying trees. Thus far, we have experienced a good compliance rate with the request. The mandated and funded tarping regulations continue to be a highly utilized tool to combat the spread of the ACP. We have 14 staff members who monitor and enforce this program on a daily basis. Additionally, the two citrus pest control districts keep a watchful eye on ACP populations, they coordinate area wide pesticide treatments and release biological predator insects as needed within their boundaries. CDFA monitors traps, conducts insect sweeps, takes leaf samples and coordinates the treatment of properties all over the county. These are just a few examples of the daily efforts to protect citrus in Riverside County and California. 2019 was also a year of bees and pesticides. BeeWhere was developed to
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help Commissioners register bee keepers and their hives online and to facilitate communication between pesticide applicator and bee keeper. According to the Food and Agricultural Code, bee keepers shall register their apiaries and locations each year and pesticide applicators intending to apply a bee toxic material to a blossoming plant shall notify any registered beekeeper within one mile of the application. Riverside County has not played a very active role in enforcing the pertinent bee laws and regulations prior to the activation of the BeeWhere program. Thus, this past year has been filled with outreach and education for both our beekeepers and applicators. In 2019, we had 57 registered bee keepers with 17,904 hives and continue to monitor our “Bee-Checks” by our applicators. I want to thank our industries for their efforts in working with my office to make this program a success. Industrial Hemp…. boy this has been an all-consuming program for 2019. This new program demands a lot of time, effort, outreach and education. My staff are constantly answering calls for complaints, questions, pesticides, registrations,
ordinances, and many more. Riverside County has a total of 86 registrations and 8,200 registered acres (600 planted). These figures put us in the top three counties of registered acres in California. We are currently working with the industry and our planning department to craft an ordinance that would set some guidelines and limitations for where hemp can be grown in the county. Those are just a few programs my staff have been diligently enforcing during this past year as we look forward to a prosperous 2020. I want to thank The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) and especially Ruthann Anderson who just a short three years ago took me on a PCA tour in my county. The tour started in Riverside, continued into the Coachella Valley and ended in Blythe. Her interest to introduce me to your industry and her collaborative spirit has not only benefited me in my position but most importantly has fostered new friendships and partnerships for this beautiful County of Riverside.
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APPLICATOR ALERTS JANUARY 2020 / VOL . V, NO. 1
PR E-BLOOM ISSUE Issue Sponsored by Riverside County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office
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APPLICATOR ALERTS